Loss Aversion Bias Triggers Buying Decisions

Why are so many potential customers slow in making decisions? How can you apply Neuromarketing to increase conversion? If you can convince potential customers that failing to act causes some sort of loss, they will make decisions faster.

Research shows that people absolutely hate losses, much more than they love gains.

Consumers respond positively to marketing messages which help them avoid losses. This fear of missing out affects the fast-thinking emotional part of the brain. This fear dates back to the time of early humans. For them losing an opportunity was a life or death situation.

A good example of the loss aversion cognitive bias is the Black Friday phenomenon. Retailers put highly sought-after merchandise on deep discount for a couple of days after Thanksgiving. Typically, they select a few very popular items and cut prices drastically. However, only a limited stock is available.

The limitations on stock and time activate people’s fear of losing an opportunity for huge savings.

This fear of loss drives customers to stores. Once there, they’re very likely to shop for other items. There are several ways businesses can trigger the loss aversion bias to increase sales:

Time Limitations Can Trigger Action – Offering a significant discount for only a brief period is a classic use of the loss aversion bias. “Save 40% if You Order This Week!” “This Offer Expires Today.”

Such messages speak directly to the unconscious brain and can trigger an immediate decision.

There are endless variations on this theme you can use to stimulate the fear of losing an opportunity.

Limited Availability Is Another Effective Tool – Amazon uses this loss aversion trigger constantly. It displays the number of units available in stock prominently.

Message like “Only 3 Left in Stock,” is a strong motivator for clicking the Add to Cart button.

A message showing how many people are currently looking at an item can create a competitive rush to buy, as well.

But, once a good product is in the customer’s hands, the fear of losing it strongly inhibits returns.

That’s why free trial periods are so effective. Once the purchase is made, few will return it. Cosmetic products are an excellent example. Most offer a free trial period, but actual returns are rare.

Don’t Miss Loss Aversion Sales Opportunities – When promoting sales, keep an eye open for ways to stimulate the fear of losing out. For example, around holidays, you can use possible shipping delays to trigger an immediate purchase.

“Don’t Risk Late Delivery” is a good technique for triggering a quick decision.

“Did You Forget to Buy a Case?” can be a cue to add an additional item.

Frame Your Content to Focus on Loss Prevention – Neuroscience research shows that activating the fear of losing is more powerful than focusing on savings. Use language that highlights the potential loss.

“Don’t miss your chance to save $1,000!” is more powerful than “Act now to save $1,000!”

“Only 15 of These HDTVs are Available at This Low Price!” is more effective than “Shop Early for the Best Savings!”

Don’t Miss Using Neuromarketing to Boost Sales

Activating the fear of losing out is just one way to trigger buying decisions. Neuromarketing offers multiple techniques that can work together to increase sales, leads and revenues as much as 500%. Drawing insights from Neuroscience, Social Psychology and Behavioral Economics, Neuromarketing gives your business incredible power of persuasion. Businesses that focus on just one concept at a time miss out on the synergy of Neuromarketing that is applied across the board.

Our Neuromarketing firm gives you the maximum benefit of an integrated approach. We understand how to provide the subtle, but powerful, influences. Contact us today to get started using our proven competition-busting marketing power.